Chinese and Italian companies have opened offices in Morbi, Gujarat to provide after sales services to the ceramic industry. Morbi is well known as hub for ceramic items and vitrified tiles in Indian ceramic industry.
As per industry sources, most of the parts and machineries are come from China and Italy and companies from these countries are opening up offices to provide technical support. Moreover, the companies also intend to provide training to locals for operating the tools.
“About 30-40 companies have started their offices in Morbi and their main purpose is marketing and after sales services. These are some of the major companies from China who provide parts and machineries for the ceramic industry,” said Girish Pethapara, Managing Director of Decolight Ceramic Limited.
According to Rajubhai Patel, President of Morbi Ceramic Association, Morbi imports about Rs 300-400 crore worth parts and machineries from China and Italy every year which include leasing line, roller, pressing and printing machines.
In past two years, about 30-40 companies have opened their offices in the town and more than 55-60 technical personnel have been providing services as well as training to the industries. “Each ceramic company has around 10-15 technical staff members, most of which are semi skilled persons so it becomes necessary to give knowledge of operating,” said Patel.
The city is a home to more then 350 ceramic products manufacturing units. The main products of this ceramic city are best quality Ceramic tiles, Vitrified tiles, Floor tiles, Glazed tiles, Sanitary wares, Porcelain tiles, Spartek tiles, Roofing tiles and Mosaic tiles.
Meanwhile, Rohil Remani, managing director of Ozzy Vitrified Pvt. Ltd. said, “We need technical support from them so it is more convenient for them to settle over here. Also they guide our staffs for operations.”
The industry manufactures more then 80 percent of total ceramic production in India. India ranks fifth among tile makers globally, with the unorganized sector accounting for 55 percent of the country’s total tile business, according to the Indian Council for Ceramic Tiles and Sanitary ware, an organization of tile makers. Industry gives direct employment to 85000 people.